Observation is a fundamental qualitative research method, allowing researchers to study behavior in various contexts. The focus of the research is on how people interact, interpret each other’s behavior, and act upon these interpretations in a natural setting. Most other research methods are artificial in the sense that they place the participant in a specially constructed research context.
If you’re time pressed, skip to #TLDR.
Naturalistic Observation: Involves observing and recording behavior in natural settings without interference or manipulation by the researcher.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| – High ecological validity: Provides insights into real-life behavior, high ecological validity | – Participant variability: Lack of control over individual differences may mean confounding factors – Potential for observer bias: Personal beliefs can influence interpretation of the observed behavior |
Overt Observation: Researchers openly observe and record behavior with the knowledge and consent of the participants.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| – Informed consent and ethicality: Participants are aware of being observed | – Demand characteristics: Participants may alter behavior due to observer presence, potential for observer bias |
Covert Observation: Involves the discreet observation and recording of behavior without the knowledge or consent of the participants being observed.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| – Reduce observer effect: Since participants are unaware of being observed, there is less risk of the observer effect – Access to touchy topics: Covert observation can be particularly useful for when participants may feel reluctant/ uncomfortable to disclose if they are aware of being observed | – Lack of informed consent: Unawareness of being observed means participants cannot withdraw from the study if they feel uncomfortable – Validity: Without participants’ awareness, researchers cannot clarify ambiguities or verify their interpretations of behavior |
Participant Observation: Researchers immerse themselves in the environment being studied, actively participating in the activities while observing and recording behavior.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| – Allows for in-depth understanding of the context, insights into insider perspectives | – Potential for researcher bias: Personal beliefs/ perspectives/ experiences can influence their interpretation of the observed behavior leading to bias in findings – Risk that observer will lose objectivity after becoming too involved/ invested – May be time-consuming |
Structured Observation: Researchers use a predetermined set of behaviors or criteria to observe and record behavior systematically.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| – Allows for systematic data collection, easier to quantify and analyze | – May miss unexpected behaviors, potential for observer bias |
Unstructured Observation: Involves observing behavior without a specific plan or predetermined set of behaviors, allowing for flexibility and exploration.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| – Flexibility to explore unexpected behaviors – Can capture nuances of behavior | – Lack of standardization, can be subjective in interpretation |
TLDR: what are the GENERAL advantages/ disadvantages of observations?
- Adv – those being covertly observed likely behave naturally—high ecological validity
- Adv – covert observation likely means behavior has no demand characteristics
- Adv – structured observation may be replicable, hence findings can be reliable/ valid
- Disadv – a lack of control in the natural environment may mean replication will be difficult
- Disadv – observer bias in recording, may mean results may not be accurate/ reflect reality
- Disadv – participants unaware of being observed may not have given informed consent
Detailed Notes on Research Methods